Top Considerations for Adopting a Seal Gas Recovery System

December 6, 2022 | 3 minute read

In our first blog on Seal Gas Recovery (SGR) systems, we explained what it is, how it works and the economic and environmental benefits. In our second blog, we discussed hydrocarbons and their common sources of release in oil and natural gas processing facilities. In our third and final blog, will cover the top considerations for adopting an SGR system.

Below are the top four most important questions to ask when considering the adoption of an SGR system:

• Is my facility currently disposing of dry gas seal leakage or other surplus gas in a flare system? What fugitive emissions containment measures are currently in place?
  • An SGR system is a cost-effective solution to capture vented process gas for recovery. The valuable process gas that would otherwise be disposed of can now be reused for more productive purposes to reduce product loss.
• Does my facility have a source of motive gas to be used as part of the ejector-based SGR system?
  • John Crane's SGR system utilizes a gas ejector to recover and pressurize vented process gas. The ejector requires motive gas to entrain and pressurize the gas that is to be recovered. This motive gas must be at a pressure sufficiently greater than the vented gas in order to achieve the desired recovery pressure. Typical sources of motive gas include a stream taken from the discharge of a compressor in the user's facility.
• How many compressors with tandem seals are currently installed at my facility?
  • SGR systems pair with existing tandem dry gas seals, connecting to the primary vent system to recover and pressurize the vent gas. The tandem (also known as double) dry gas seals are essential because they minimize the leakage of fluid or gas.
• Does my facility plan on tackling ESG and zero-emissions regulations?
  • Emission regulations are becoming more stringent, vary from country to country and change frequently based on legislation, technology improvements and market demands. Companies seek a cost-effective solution to capture vented process gas for recovery and achieve greenhouse gas reduction targets. SGR systems provide users with a solution to comply with increasingly strict environmental and zero-emissions regulations regarding gas flaring and venting.

Are you ready to learn more about the benefits of using an SGR system? At John Crane, we have over 100 years of experience, so contact one of our experts today.